Minutes
9th September 2008, held at Portland Heights Hotel
Apologies: Mr and Mrs Charnock
1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Minutes from 8 July meeting approved.
3. Presentation given by Jeremy Pope and Terence O’Rourke on the Portland Vision. The Vision to include what the people of Portland want for the Island and a draft Consultation document has now been prepared. Jeremy Pope offered this for copying if required and will be sending through copies for those people who requested the same. It includes improvements to the gateway to the Island, transport system improvements, the encouragement of tourism. It is not a master plan and there have been consultations with the Borough Council and major land owners of the Island together with the National Trust, Natural England, the Crown, SWRDA, Stone Firms, Southwell Business Park and Portland Gas Storage among the many.
4. Presentation regarding Officers Field by Simon Topliss of HTA Architects in conjunction with Craig Bates of Zero C and James Rowley SWERDA. Issues were raised with regard to the density of houses to be built, access and open spaces on the site. Jane Fooks did indicate she was in discussion with particular reference to retaining land for Underhill School and the proposed Academy facilities. Particular reference and lively debate ensued regarding the Section 106 monies that were to become available and who was to have control. It was suggested that consultation with the PCP would be appropriate as a starting point. Clearly Portland would like the money to be spent on Portland and not distributed throughout the Borough. Affordable housing is be included in the site and James Rowley confirmed this would be administered by Magna Housing. PCP to write to Magna asking them to give a presentation with their vision for the site.
5. Update by Michael Ward from Southwell Action Team for Portland re: the Coastal Strip. Mr Ward urged those who had not written to Helen Mann at the National Trust to do so to air their concerns and encourage the NT to purchase the land. Margaret Leicester did reveal she had been at a meeting at county and moves are being made to modify by way of drawing in the area for quarrying and this was voted through at County level. Funding to come from government for compensation. However, early stages still.
6. Treasurer’s Report
7. Secretary’s Report and Correspondence.
8. Any other business. An update on Laura Brown. Rachel Barton updated on the Island Clean up of 6th September and how there had been a good deal of support for this annual event. She also confirmed a vote of thanks to Lyn Cooch the Island Ranger for all her hard work.
Next meeting 4th November at the Sailing Academy 7pm. Richard Arnold from 2012 Committee will be giving presentation.
